Excellence Pursuits

Excellence Pursuits
medical
care
research
education
corporate review 2005/2006
Vision, Mission, Core Values & Quality Policy
2
Message from CEO and CMB 3
Excellence in Medical Care
4
Excellence in Research
10
Excellence in Education
14
Organisational Excellence
17
Partnerships and Collaborations
21
Caring for Our Community
22
Celebrating 20 Years of Quality Healthcare
23
Senior Management Team
24
Medical Board 25
Figures & Statistics
26
What Our Patients Say
29
About the National University Hospital
30
VISION
Adding years of healthy life
MISSION
We hold the interest of the patient paramount.
We are committed to personalised, specialised, accessible and
cost-effective care of the highest quality within an environment of
intensive research and excellent medical education.
CORE VALUES
QUALITY POLICY
Collegiality
Compassion
Excellence
Integrity
Learning & Teaching
Professionalism
Respect
Social Responsibility
To Our Patients
Quality Care & Service
To Our Staff
Safe & Fulfilling Work Environment
To Our Community
Responsible Citizenry
Message from CEO and CMB
The financial year 2005 had been a year of ‘Excellence Pursuits’, as we continue to seek out
excellence in medical care, research and education.
In the ever-challenging healthcare arena, we remain committed to delivering quality care to both
local and international patients. In line with our FBCS (faster, better, cheaper and safer) framework,
we introduced new and enhanced patient care services. At the same time, we continue to discover
new grounds in medical treatment and research, and take great pride in the breakthroughs that we
have achieved.
As a University Hospital and a strategic partner of the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUS), we
constantly pursue opportunities for collaborations in medical research and education for the benefit
of patients and the development of the medical profession.
In 2005, we also celebrated NUH’s 20 years of providing quality healthcare. NUH has come a long
way in faithfully fulfilling our role to care, teach and advance medical science. It was also our
privilege to play our part as a responsible corporate citizen by serving our community through various
community and charity events.
Our achievements in the past year would not have been possible without our team of dedicated
staff, the support of NHG and our service partners as well as the confidence of our patients. We
would like to say a resounding ‘Thank You’ to all who have helped to make our aspirations a reality.
As we enter the next decade of our existence, we will strive to be a University Hospital known
internationally for delivering excellent care – distinguished by peaks of clinical excellence, model care
delivery as well as quality teaching and research. An important milestone for NUH, in line with this
vision, is the proposed physical redevelopment of NUH over the next few years.
With these exciting plans in the pipeline, we are definitely looking forward to and gearing up for the
challenging journey ahead!
Chua Song Khim
Chief Executive Officer
A/Prof Lim Yean Teng
Chairman, Medical Board (till Dec 05)
Excellence in Medical Care
To meet the changing healthcare needs of our patients and in
striving for excellence in the delivery of medical care, we introduced
several initiatives, including key ones in the areas of:
• New services
• Clinical excellence through breakthrough
treatment and enhanced facilities and systems
• Patient-friendly initiatives
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Excellence Pursuits
Excellence in Medical Care
New Services
More services are now available at NUH’s Kent Ridge Wing (KRW) 2, including an Imaging Centre,
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Centre, Cancer Centre and Colorectal Clinic.
Asethetic Plastic Surgery Centre @ Level 4, KRW2
A convenient one-stop service centre, our Aesthetic Plastic
Surgery Centre provides services such as aesthetic surgery
(including eyelid surgery, face lift, liposuction, microlaser
peels, laser removal of moles, tattoos and varicose veins,
sweaty palms treatment, etc), reconstructive surgery
(such as breast reconstruction), correction of congenital
abnormalities and treatment of cranio-maxillofacial trauma.
Cancer Centre @ Level 8, KRW2
Dedicated outpatient oncology and haematology services
for private patients are now available at our Cancer Centre
@ Level 8. Our services include consultations, treatment
such as chemotherapy, oncology pharmacy, patient
education and counselling, clinical trials and CancerLine - a
hotline for cancer information.
Colorectal Clinic @ Level 9, KRW2
Our Colorectal Clinic is a one-stop clinic that provides
complete, prompt and thorough consultations on disorders
of the colon, rectum and anus as well as surgical services
by specialist colorectal surgeons. Direct access colonoscopy/
gastroscopy services are also provided, thereby reducing
waiting time.
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Excellence Pursuits
Excellence in Medical Care
Imaging Centre @ Level 3, KRW2
Our diagnostic imaging and x-ray services have expanded for
the convenience of patients seeking treatment at Kent Ridge
Wing 2. Services provided at the Imaging Centre include
3D and whole body imaging as well as cardiac and vascular
imaging.
Other new services include:
•
ENT clinic (Clinic F)
It serves patients who require subsidised services for ear, nose and throat conditions.
•
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) Clinic
This is a dedicated service by our Cardiac Department for patients with HCM, an inheritable, rare
cardiac muscle disorder that is potentially fatal. NUH is currently the only provider of such a clinic in
Singapore, which provides diagnosis, long term follow-up and risk stratification as well as screening
for family members.
•
Surgical Weight Management Clinic
This clinic offers a holistic and multi-disciplinary programme using medical, dietary modifications,
exercise and as the last resort, surgical intervention, for effective weight reduction. It is supported by
a multi-disciplinary team of specialists including endocrinologists, bariatric surgeons, dietitians and
physiotherapists.
•
Outpatient Antibiotic Therapy
The Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy (OPAT) service was made available for patients who
are well enough to be discharged but still require intravenous antibiotic treatment. Alternatively,
caregivers can be trained to administer the treatment at home. This saves time and money for our
patients as they do not need to continue their stay in the hospital for the treatment.
•
Rehabilitation Care by Specialised Nurse
The addition of a specialised nurse to our inter-disciplinary team has boosted our rehabilitative care
efforts for patients with physical disabilities resulting from illnesses. The specialised nurse performs
patient assessment, works in partnership with patients, caregivers and other healthcare professionals
to set and facilitate achievement of realistic treatment goals, follows up on planned care and
evaluates progress. She also provides health education and counselling.
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Excellence Pursuits
Excellence in Medical Care
Clinical Excellence
The Straits Times, 12 Nov 2005
First Kidney cum Bone Marrow Transplant in Asia
NUH and The Cancer Institute, NHG successfully
performed the first combined kidney and bonemarrow transplant in Asia for Mr Koh Hock Heng, 43,
who suffered from kidney failure and Myelodysplastic
Syndrome (MDS), a pre-leukaemic disease.
The team first treated Mr Koh’s cancer by transplanting
the stem cells donated by his brother before the kidney
transplantation 11 months later. In the procedure, the
patient and donor stem cells blend completely so the
kidney was fully accepted by Mr Koh’s body. He is one of
the few transplant patients in the world who do not need to take medication for life to prevent his
body from rejecting the new kidney.
This procedure could have wide-reaching implications for kidney transplants in the future. Now with
the ability to achieve transplantation immune tolerance using this treatment protocol, it is possible for
us to explore and adapt such treatment strategies for future living kidney transplantation.
The New Paper, 21 Feb 2006
First Simultaneous Bilateral Cochlear Implant on
Young Patient in Singapore
NUH’s Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery Team
performed the first bilateral cochlear implantations on a
10 month-old baby in December 2005. Born with almost
profound hearing loss, the patient is the first and youngest
here to be fitted with cochlear implants in both ears in a
single operation. Bilateral implantation is new compared
to unilateral implantation and will be supported in
suitable cases based on evaluation of medical and hearing
aspects, as well as the family’s wishes and commitment to
rehabilitation.
Revolutionary ‘Reversed Shoulder Replacement’ Technique
The first Delta Reversed Shoulder Replacement in Southeast Asia was performed successfully at NUH in
December 2005. It is a revolutionary new total shoulder joint replacement, which is valuable in relieving
pain, and returning function to patients who suffer from shoulder arthritis due to rotator cuff tears.
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Excellence Pursuits
Excellence in Medical Care
Lianhe Zaobao, 20 Mar 2006
First Hip Resurfacing Surgery in Singapore
NUH successfully performed the first two cases of hip
resurfacing surgery in Singapore in January 2006. It is
an alternative surgical option to the conventional total
hip replacement for younger patients suffering from
symptomatic hip joint arthritis or disease. The benefits of
hip resurfacing surgery include faster recovery and shorter
hospital stay, improved lifespan of implant, reduced risk of
dislocation after surgery, and higher success rate of revision
surgery.
Acquisition of World’s Fastest 64 Slice CT Scanner
Our diagnostic imaging capabilities were given a boost with
the acquisition of the world’s fastest 64 slice CT scanner.
With this invaluable medical equipment, we can now offer
our patients high resolution CT cardiac, vascular, 3D and
whole body imaging. The scanner allows us to provide a
more comprehensive range of CT services, including cardiac
imaging. Patients can benefit from a safer and non-invasive
method of scanning the coronary arteries which no longer
requires catheterisation of blood vessels and hospitalisation.
Faster Turnaround With Lab Automation
In June 2005, NUH and TTSH signed a contract with
Bayer Healthcare-Diagnostics and Beckman Coulter,
Inc, respectively to automate our laboratories. Ready
since December 2005, they are the most sophisticated
in the region, being the first automation line to
integrate chemistry, haematology, immunochemistry and
coagulation tests.
Automation has improved turnaround time for laboratory
process testing and enabled our laboratory staff to focus more on knowledge-intensive clinical and
diagnostic functions. With faster lab tests results, our doctors are able to arrive at the diagnosis earlier
and provide even more timely intervention and treatment for patients.
Histopathology Verification Email Alert
With the implementation of the Histopathology Verification Email Alert, our doctors are able to receive
email for all unviewed and unverified histopathology results of patients under their care. It will prompt
them to review and verify the results, expedite diagnosis and treatment, and improve overall clinical quality.
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Excellence Pursuits
Excellence in Medical Care
Enhanced ICUs and High Dependency Wards
With the upgrading of our Intensive Care Units (Surgical,
Medical and Paediatric) and High Dependency Wards, our
isolation facilities are strengthened to boost NUH’s overall
capability to combat infectious disease outbreaks. The
revamp also facilitates the functioning of our Paediatric ICU
as the only Paediatric Centre in Singapore that provides
solid organ transplantation.
Prestigious Asian Hospital Management
Award for Radiation Oncology Team
Our Radiation Oncology team from The Cancer Institute @ NUH clinched the prestigious Asian Hospital
Management Award 2005 for the most outstanding project under the Technical Service Improvement
category. The project focused on improving the efficiency of radiation oncology service between two
hospitals by exploiting a digital information technology network under a Virtual Institute Model of service
delivery. The seamless flow of data, whereby patients’ CT images can be transferred electronically between
NUH and Tan Tock Seng Hospital, allows oncologists to view, review and modify treatment plans at either
site. This saves time on treatment preparation, leading to shorter waiting time for patients.
Patient-friendly Initiatives
Personalised Food Service for
Inpatients
To personalise our food service
to inpatients at Kent Ridge Wing
2, Food Service Executives have
assumed the responsibility of
meal order taking. This allows
patients’ queries about food to be
addressed promptly.
Free Transport for Needy
Cancer Patients
For greater convenience and
accessibility to our Cancer
Centre, our Medical Social Work
Department and Cancer Centre
as well as the Promisedland
Community Services have come
together to offer a complimentary door-to-door bus service
to our needy cancer patients. A dedicated bus will fetch
patients and their caregivers from their home to our Cancer
Centre, and back to their home after treatment.
Faster Way of Evacuation in
Emergencies
Our emergency evacuation
process is enhanced with the
availability of evacuation chairs,
which provide a faster and more
efficient way of transporting our
elderly and mobility-challenged
patients to safety without
obstructing the stairway.
SMS Notification Of Shuttle
Bus Service Timing
Patients and visitors can now
receive the timing of the next NUH
shuttle bus service via SMS. This
SMARTime system allows them
to receive the timing of the next
three shuttle bus services plying
between Buona Vista MRT Station
and NUH Main Building 1 and
Kent Ridge Wing (KRW) 2.
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Excellence in Research
As we discover new grounds in medical treatment and research, we
achieved new milestones, including:
• Use of stem cells to repair damaged knees
• Development of a highly accurate method to
detect multiple myeloma
• Discovery of trends in hereditary colorectal cancer
• Award-winning research efforts
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Excellence Pursuits
Excellence in Research
The Straits Times, 8 Dec 2005
New ‘Knees’ for Patients with Breakthrough
Stem-cell Trial
In a breakthrough clinical trial, an NUH team of doctors led
by Prof Lee Eng Hin, Senior Consultant of our Department
of Orthopaedic Surgery and Director of the Tissue
Engineering Programme at the Yong Loo Lin School of
Medicine, NUS, successfully used stem cells to repair the
damaged knees of five people.
Using this new technique, the team harvested stem cells
(immature cells that have the ability to develop into different
organs or tissue) from the patients’ bone marrow and used
them to grow knee cartilage. Then, they used periosteum
(connective tissue membrane that covers the bone) to repair
the hole before injecting the stem cells into the damaged
area. This technique is especially difficult because the kind
of stem cells needed, known as mesenchymal stem cells
(MSCs), exist only in small numbers in the bone marrow.
Development of a Highly Accurate Method of
Detecting Most Common Subtype of Multiple Myeloma
Dr Chng Wee Joo, Associate Consultant, The Cancer Institute @ NUH developed a highly specific method
with an accuracy of more than 95% of detecting the hyperdiploid variant of Multiple Myeloma (MM). It
can be applied to all cases of MM, even during the pre-malignant stage.
This study is an important step towards a more comprehensive and systemic study of factor(s) critical for
this type of myeloma and to predict the progression of the disease. Our ability to accurately identify these
tumors will facilitate future studies to identify factors that can be targeted for treatment, paving the way
for developing more effective treatment for this type of myeloma.
The Mayo Clinic in the US has already adopted this method as a clinical test for hyperdiploid myeloma.
11
Excellence Pursuits
Excellence in Research
Discovering Trends in Singaporean Families with
Hereditary Colorectal Cancer
To better manage Singaporean families with hereditary
colorectal cancer, a team of doctors from The Cancer
Institute @ NUH conducted a study, ‘Clinical and molecular
characteristics of hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer
(HNPCC) families in Southeast Asia’, to generate data in the
three major Asian ethic groups - Chinese, Malay and Indian.
This study represents one of the few Asian studies on
HNPCC and found significant differences in this condition
in Singaporeans as compared to the Caucasians. It has
generated important data that will help in guiding future
clinical management for these families.
Grants for Biomedical Research Project
Out of a $48.2 million funding from Biomedical Research Council of A*STAR for 74 biomedical projects in
2005, the biggest grant of $3.5 million went to A/Prof Yeoh Khay Guan (Senior Consultant, Medicine) who
was working on the identification of novel biomarkers for the screening of stomach cancer in Singapore.
Other NUH awardees included Prof Yong Eu Leong and Dr Mahesh Choolani (Obstetrics & Gynaecology),
Prof Wong Hee Kit and A/Prof James Hui (Orthopaedic Surgery), Dr Lynne Lim (Otolaryngology – Head &
Neck Surgery) and Prof Yap Hui Kim (Paediatrics).
BMRC-NMRC Clinician-Scientist Investigator Award
Four of our doctors have been selected as the first recipients of the prestigious BMRC-NMRC* ClinicianScientist Investigator (CSI) award, which aims to support the career development of outstanding clinicianscientists and promote translational research in Singapore.
Senior Clinician-Scientists
• Dr Goh Boon Cher, Senior Consultant, Haematology-Oncology
• Prof Yong Eu Leong, Director of Research & Senior Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Junior Clinician-Scientists
• Dr Lynette Shek, Consultant, Paediatrics
• Dr Allen Yeoh, Senior Consultant, Paediatrics
* BMRC – Biomedical Research Council, A*STAR; NMRC – National Medical Research Council, MOH
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Excellence Pursuits
Excellence in Research
Award-winning Research Efforts
•
Eminent Scientist of the Year 2005 International Award by World Scientist Forum
- A/Prof Manuel Salto-Tellez, Senior Consultant, Pathology
•
2005 Outstanding Poster Award at 5th International Symposium on Antimicrobial Agents and Resistance
- Dr Gamini Kumarasinghe, Senior Consultant, Dr Raymond Lin, Senior Consultant, and Dr Anita
Jayasurya, Post Doctor Fellow, Laboratory Medicine
•
NHG Combined Scientific Meeting (CSM) 2005 Awards
NHG Doctor Award 2005
- Dr Edmund Chiong, Associate Consultant, Urology (Joint Winner)
- Dr Tiffany Tang, House Officer, Paediatrics (Joint Winner)
NHG Young Investigator Award 2005
- Dr Wu Qing Hui, Fellow, Urology
NHG Best Oral Paper Award 2005
- Medicine/Paediatrics: A/Prof Ho Khek Yu, Senior Consultant, Gastroenterology & Hepatology
- Allied Health: So Hwee Mei, Dietitian, Dietetics
- Nursing: Dr Citra Mattar, Registrar, Obstetrics & Gynaecology
(Dr Citra is the Co-principal Investigator with Chan Yah Shih, Senior Nurse Manager, Nursing as the Principal Investigator)
- Surgical Disciplines: Dr Edmund Chiong, Associate Consultant, Urology
•
Magna Cum Laude Award at European Congress of Radiology 2006
- Dr Sudhakar Venkatesh, Associate Consultant, Diagnostic Imaging
• Best Airway Equipment Abstract at International Anaesthesia Research Society
Clinical and Scientific Congress 2006
- A/Prof Chen Fun Gee, Dr Eugene Liu and Dr Raymond Goy, Anaesthesia
•
NHG Research Investigator Scientist Enabler (RISE) Grant 2006
- Dr Suresh Saminathan, Consultant, Orthopaedic Surgery
- Dr Yong Wei Peng, Consultant, Haematology-Oncology
- Dr Siau Chiang, Consultant, Anaesthesia
NHG CSM Awards
Magna Cum Laude Award
Best Airway Equipment Abstract
13
Excellence in Education
As a University Hospital, we remain committed to developing
healthcare professionals through various major conferences and
other knowledge exchange platforms, such as:
• First Asian Interventional Cardiovascular
Therapeutics
• Medical missions to Yangon
• Advanced practice and evidence-based nursing
seminars
• NUH as Approved Assessment Centre (AAC)
• E-learning
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Excellence Pursuits
Excellence in Education
First Asian Interventional Cardiovascular Therapeutics
The first Asian Interventional Cardiovascular Therapeutics
was organised by The Heart Institute in August 2005. The
meeting showcased the basics and the latest advances
in coronary intervention technology in the form of live
demonstrations, didactic lectures and interactive sessions
with experts.
With live satellite transmissions from various overseas
esteemed centres such as USA’s Mayo clinic, India’s Max
Devki Devi Heart and Vascular Institute, Thailand’s Her Majesty Royal Siriraj Hospital and China’s
renowned Fu Wai Hospital, it was definitely an enriching knowledge exchange around different parts
of the world!
Sharing Invaluable Knowledge with Yangon Doctors
NUH’s senior clinicians went on two medical missions to
Yangon, Myanmar in February 2006 where they shared
invaluable medical knowledge with Yangon doctors and
medical specialists.
The NUH Oculoplastics and Neuro-ophthalmology team
was invited to Yangon Eye Hospital and the Defence Service
General Hospital for clinical consultation of complex cases.
They reviewed 40 medical cases and participated in various
teaching sessions that included demonstration of live surgery
and discussions.
Senior clinicians from various departments also participated
in the 14th Myanmar Military Medical Conference.
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Excellence Pursuits
Excellence in Education
Towards Advanced Practice and Evidence-based
Nursing
In line with MOH’s direction on developing the Advanced
Practice Nurse’s (APN) role in Singapore, Our Clinical Nursing
Unit organised a conference and workshops with a focus
on ‘Moving Nurses Forward with Advanced Practice’ in April
2005. With distinguished local and international speakers,
the conference attracted more than 350 delegates from
over 15 countries. It provided great opportunities for future
collaborations and network for specialty and advanced
practice nurses from around the world.
With Evidence-based Nursing (EBN) fast becoming the hallmark of safe patient care at the bedside,
NUH’s Nursing Department organised the first EBN seminar, ’Research to Practice – Bridging the Gap’
in March 2006. There was an impressive turnout of 200 participants for the seminar, which included
speakers from Nanyang Polytechnic and Dover Park Hospice.
NUH Attained Approved Assessment Centre Status
As an NSRS* Approved Assessment Centre (AAC), NUH can now conduct, assess and issue NSRS
certification for programmes that we conduct in the hospital for the public or other hospitals. The AAC
status was in addition to NUH gaining the approval of being an NSRS Training Centre in early 2005.
* The National Skills Recognition System or NSRS is a national framework for establishing work
performance standards, identifying job competencies and certifying skills acquisition.
Enhanced Training with e-Learning
To make training more accessible, NUH has taken NHG’s
lead and embarked on e-learning since September 2005.
NUH e-Hub that comprises 31 e-learning stations was
officially opened by Dr Lim Suet Wun, CEO of NHG, on 28
April 2006.
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Organisational Excellence
In striving for excellence in every facet of our care and service, we
rolled out several initiatives and were recognised for our efforts.
These include:
• e-Rostering for better work-life balance
• eHIMs for real time overview of bed status
• Job re-creation efforts
• Double win at Singapore H.E.A.L.T.H. Awards
• Triple ISO renewal
• Workplace health and safety award
• Awards for outstanding staff
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Excellence Pursuits
Organisational Excellence
Better Work-Life Balance With e-Rostering
Our Nursing Department has successfully implemented an
e-rostering system which allows our nurses to indicate their
work-shift preference, giving them better work-life balance
and more time to focus on patient care and professional
development. It also allows the nurse managers to manage
the rostering of nurses through a synchronised and wellmanaged process. This system has won NUH the Asian
Hospital Management Award 2006 - Most Outstanding
Award (Internal Service category).
Improved Turnaround Time with Real Time
Overview of Bed Status
The eHousekeeper’s Intelligent Management System (eHIMS)
has helped NUH improve turnaround time for bed discharge
by 70%. With the ability to obtain real time overview of bed
status from dedicated terminals, initiate cleaning requests
and prioritise urgent bed allocations with a simple click,
patients are able to have an earlier discharge and admission.
NUH Supports Nation’s Job Re-creation Efforts
NUH clinched the inaugural ‘Strong Believer’ award by the
Job Re-creation Programme (JRP) Committee, comprising
National Trade Union Congress, Workforce Development
Agency and Ministry of Manpower. It affirms the efforts
of NUH and NUH Employees’ Union (NUHEU) to create job
opportunities through job redesign, specifically in the areas
of nursing in NUH.
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Excellence Pursuits
Organisational Excellence
Double Win for NUH at the Singapore H.E.A.L.T.H Award 2005
For the third consecutive year, our hospital was awarded the Singapore H.E.A.L.T.H. Gold Award for
actively promoting healthy lifestyle to our staff and developing workplace health promotion programme.
NUH CEO, Mr Chua Song Khim, was also awarded the H.E.AL.T.H. Leader Award for his strong leadership
and support in providing resources to introduce workplace health programmes.
Singapore H.E.A.L.T.H. Gold Award
H.E.A.L.T.H. Leader Award
Triple ISO Renewal for NUH
NUH has been re-certified for all three of our ISO systems (ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and the OHSAS 18001) in
January 2006. The successful renewal of the certification reaffirms our commitment and effort to improve
the quality of our patient care and service, safety of our staff and the environment.
Workplace Health & Safety Award for Department of Pathology
For the second successive year, NUH’s Department of Pathology received the NUS Annual Safety Health
Performance Award (ASHPA). The assessors were impressed with the department’s initiatives in improving
workplace safety and health management. The department has been awarded a merit with special
commendation for safety infrastructure improvement projects.
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Excellence Pursuits
Organisational Excellence
Outstanding Staff
•
Healthcare Humanity Award 2005
- Rujia Ali Shahul Hameed, Cardiac Care Nurse, Cardiac
- Wu Tuck Seng, Manager, Pharmacy
- Chow Yin Leng, Nurse Clinician, The Cancer Institute @ NUH
- Dr Benjamin Mow, Consultant, The Cancer Institute @ NUH
• MOH Nurses’ Merit Award 2005
- Catherine Koh, Assistant Director of Nursing (Clinical)
- Usha Devi d/o U R Menon, Nurse Manager, Ward 51
- Quay Chwee Neo, Nurse Manager, Ward 61/62
- Lim Luen Ying, Nurse Clinician, Ward 40
- Pang Wei Shen, Nurse Clinician, Major OT
- Haryani Binte Mustadi, Senior Staff Nurse, Ward 5H
• Lee Foundation-NHG Lifetime Achievement Award 2005
- Prof Chia Boon Lock, Emeritus Consultant, Cardiac
•
NHG Outstanding Citizenship Award 2005
- A/Prof Benjamin Ong, CMB & Senior Consultant, Medicine
- Prof Lim Tow Keang, Senior Consultant, Medicine
- A/Prof Yeoh Khay Guan, VCMB & Senior Consultant, Gastroenterology & Hepatology
- Mrs Lee Siu Yin, Director of Nursing
•
Excellent Service Award (EXSA) 2005
- 14 Star, 78 Gold and 90 Silver award winners
MOH Nurses’ Merit Award
Lee Foundation-NHG
Lifetime Achievement Award
NHG Outstanding
Citizenship Award
Excellent Service Award
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Partnerships & Collaborations
NUH & NUS Strategic Advance
In a bid to increase collaborations between NUH and NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, the
first Strategic Advance was held in December 2005.
The objectives of the Strategic Advance were to identify areas of potential synergy to jointly
focus on clinical services, research and teaching; to collectively develop synergy in areas of
mutual interest; and to set clear outcome measures.
Action plans were successfully mapped out for the areas of clinical excellence, clinical services,
research and teaching, among others. These include increasing collaboration between NUS
scientists and NUH clinicians, mentoring Clinician-Researchers, developing the research
infrastructure and making NUH the best hospital for undergraduate and post-graduate
teaching.
First in Asia Pacific: NUH - B-K Asian
Institute of Transanal Ultrasonography
NUH Collaborates With Renowned
Indonesian Hospitals
NUH Colorectal Surgery Centre signed an
agreement with B-K Medical (Asia) Pte Ltd in
March 2006 to set up the NUH - B-K Asian
Institute of Transanal Ultrasonography, the first
in the Asia Pacific region.
NUH further expanded its collaboration base
with healthcare institutions following the
signing of a Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) with three Indonesian hospitals in
February and March 2006 - Dr Sardjito Hospital,
Santosa Bandung International Hospital and Dr
Hasan Sadikin General Hospital.
NUH will partner B-K Medical (Asia) to
conduct courses and educational activities to
promote knowledge in the use of transanal
ultrasonography in managing diseases of
the colon, rectum and anus, and to promote
NUH as the preferred choice of training and
education in transanal ultrasonography in the
region.
NUH partners these hospitals in the areas of
teaching, research, shared care of patients and
mutual exchange of healthcare knowledge,
benefiting staff and patients of both hospitals.
Dr Sardjito Hospital
Dr Hasan Sadikin General Hospital
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Caring For Our Community
Health Screenings and Talks for the Community
To create awareness on various conditions, the prevention and management, NUH organised talks, exhibition
and health screenings for our patients and the public, including those held in conjunction with World
Diabetes Day, National Eye Care Day and World Kidney Day.
NUH also participated in the health screening sessions by Jurong Health Connect and the North East Kids’
Health Fair.
National Eye Care Day
NUH World Diabetes Day
North East Kid’s Health Fair
Raising Funds for Young Heart
Patients
Extending a Helping Hand to
Quake-hit Pakistan
Helping to Unlock the Second
Prison
The Kid’s Heart Fund, under the
NUH Endowment Fund (now
renamed as NUH Patientcare
Charity Fund), was set up to
support our needy paediatric
patients who are receiving
surgery treatment for congenital
heart disease (CHD). With a
target to raise $2million in
2005, the fund will subsidise the
surgery costs for treating needy
CHD patients and in certain
cases, fully support the patients
if necessary.
In response to the dire situation
the people of Pakistan faced
after the country got hit by 7.6
magnitude shockwaves, a group
of NUH medical and nursing staff
joined NHG’s relief mission team
to the quake-hit area to offer
our medical expertise in early
November 2005.
In support of the Yellow Ribbon
Project, NUH participated in
the first Yellow Ribbon Job
Fair organised by Singapore
Corporation of Rehabilitative
Enterprises (SCORE) in September
2005. Job openings in healthcare
(such as healthcare assistants)
were made available to support
these ex-offenders who wish to
start life anew when they are
released from the prison.
Ms Ho Ching graced the inaugural
charity dinner by the Kid’s Heart Fund in
August 2005
NUH medical and nursing staff in
Pakistan
NUH’s booth at the Yellow Ribbon Job
Fair organised by SCORE
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National University Hospital
Celebrating
1 9 8 5 - 2005
20 Years
of Quality
Healthcare
Celebrating 20 Years of Quality Healthcare
In 2005, NUH celebrated its 20th year of existence in Singapore, with the
theme, ‘Creating The Future, Celebrating The Past’. This theme encapsulates
our role as a major healthcare provider, marking the gradual growth of our
hospital services, and affirming our commitment to deliver better, faster and
safer care to patients in the past and coming years.
To mark this special occasion and celebrate our achievement, we produced a
Commemorative Book and held a series of celebratory and charity events.
8 April 2005
25 June 2005
15 July 2005
2 October 2005
Charity Car Wash
20th Anniversary
Dinner Celebration
Charity Treadmill
Challenge
‘Future of Medicine’
Charity Golf
We washed a total of
143 cars and collected
more than $5000 for
The Straits Times School
Pocket Money Fund.
Graced by Dr Balaji
Sadasivan, Senior
Minister of State,
Ministry of Health, and
Mrs Balaji Sadasivan,
and joined by many
special guests close
to the hearts of NUH,
the dinner was a
tribute to all staff
(past and present) for
their dedication and
contributions over the
past 20 years.
Together with our
Guest-of-Honour, Dr
Teo Ho Pin, Mayor of
Northwest CDC, service
and community partners,
we covered a distance
of 780.36km and raised
$171,521 for needy
patients.
The NUH Endowment
Fund raised a recordbreaking amount of more
than $5 million for the
event. Gracing the dinner
as our Guest-of-Honour
was His Excellency,
President S R Nathan,
who launched The Lee
Foundation Critical
Care Programme, which
focuses on enhancing the
skills and knowledge of
our doctors, nurses and
paramedics in the area of
intensive care.
23
Senior Management Team
6
5
4
3
2
1
13
12
11
10
7
8
9
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Dr Goh Khean Teik, Head, Medical Affairs
Dr Kelvin Loh, Director, Corporate Planning & Development / Operations (since Aug 05) & Director, Quality Improvement Unit (since Jan 06)
Mr Ong Poh Chye, Director, Operational Support Services
Mr Francis Tan, Director, Finance
Mr Tyrone Goh, Director, Operations, Children’s Medical Institute
Ms Eunice Toh, Head, Endowment Fund (now renamed as NUH Patientcare Charity Fund)
Ms Cynthia Foo, Deputy Director, Environmental Services
Mrs Nellie Yeo, Director, Quality Improvement Unit (till Dec 05)
Mr Chua Song Khim, Chief Executive Officer
Mrs Lee Siu Yin, Director, Nursing
Ms Clara Wee, Director, Human Resource
Ms Mega Shuen, Director, Operations (since Jul 05)
Ms Joy Wong, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications & Services (since Nov 05)
Not in group picture:
Ms Tan Weng Mooi, Director, Operations (till Jun 05)
Ms Dinger Leong, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications & Services (till Nov 05)
24
Medical Board
First row, sitting from left:
Dr Sophia Ang, Associate Chairman, Medical Board; Prof John Wong, Dean, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine,
NUS; Mr Chua Song Khim, Chief Executive Officer; A/Prof Benjamin Ong, Chairman, Medical Board (since Jan
06) & Chief, Medicine (till Feb 06); A/Prof Lim Yean Teng, Chairman, Medical Board (till Dec 05);
A/Prof Keson Tan, Dean, Faculty of Dentistry, NUS & Clinical Director, NUH Dental Services;
A/Prof Quek Swee Chye, Associate Chairman, Medical Board
Middle row, standing from left:
A/Prof Chen Fun Gee, Chief, Anaesthesia; A/Prof Wong Peng Cheang, Chief, Obstetrics & Gynaecology;
A/Prof Quak Seng Hock, Chief, Paediatrics; Dr David Consigliere, Chief, Urology; A/Prof Grace Ong, Chief,
Preventive Dentistry; A/Prof Jennifer Neo, Restorative Dentistry; A/Prof Roy Joseph, Chief, Neonatology (till Sep
05); A/Prof Yeo Jin Fei, Chief, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery; Dr Lee Jiun, Chief, Neonatology (since Oct 05)
Last row, standing from left:
A/Prof Aymeric Lim, Chief, Hand & Reconstructive Microsurgery; Prof Wong Hee Kit, Chief, Orthopaedic Surgery
A/Prof Teh Ming, Chief, Pathology; A/Prof Sunil Sethi, Chief, Laboratory Medicine; A/Prof Paul Chew, Chief,
Ophthalmology; Prof Yong Eu Leong, Director, Research; A/Prof Wang Shih Chang, Chief, Diagnostic Imaging
Not in Group Photo:
A/Prof Yeoh Khay Guan, Vice-Chairman, Medical Board; A/Prof Luke Tan, Associate Chairman, Medical Board & Chief,
Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery; Prof V Prem Kumar, Associate Dean; Adjunct A/Prof Tan Huay Cheem, Chief, Cardiac;
Prof Lee Chuen Neng, Chief, Cardiac, Thoracic & Vascular Surgery & Chief, Surgery (since Aug 05); Cl A/Prof Peter Manning,
Chief, Emergency Medicine; A/Prof Lim Seng Gee, Chief, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Dr Robert Lim, Chief, HaematologyOncology; A/Prof Ho Khek Yu, Chief, Medicine (since Mar 06); A/Prof K Prabhakaran, Chief, Paediatric Surgery; A/Prof Calvin
Fones, Chief, Psychological Medicine; Dr Michael Back, Chief, Radiation Oncology; A/Prof John Issac, Chief, Surgery (till Jul 05)
25
Figures & Statistics
u Attendances at A&E Department, Dental Department &
Specialist Outpatient Clinics
Specialist Outpatient Clinics
505,190
Emergency Department
94,378
Dental Department
52,024
Grand Total | 651,592
u Surgical Operations or Procedures Performed
Day Surgery
22,438
Inpatient
21,793
Grand Total | 44,231
26
Figures & Statistics
u Average Length of Stay (in days) by Class of Bed
3.9
Class
Class AA (1-bed)
(1-bed )
Class
B1 (4-bed)
Class B1
(4-bed)
3.5
ClassB4
B2 (6-bed)
Class
(6-bed )
4.3
Class
(8-bed )
Class CC (8-bed)
5.0
ICU
(IntensiveCare
CareUnit)
Unit)
ICU (Intensive
3.4
3.4
HD
(HighDependency)
Dependency)
HD (High
3.2
ISO
ISO (Isolation)
5.2
3.2
Other s
Others
2.3
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Average Length of Stay (in days) by Class of Bed
u Average Bed in Service by Class of Bed
Class
ClassAA(1-bed)
(1-bed)
64
(4-bed)
Class
ClassB1B1
(4-bed)
Class
ClassB2B4(6-bed)
(6-bed)
(8-bed)
Class
ClassC C
(8-bed)
(Intensive
Care
ICU
ICU
(Intensive
CareUnit)
Unit)
(High
Dependency)
HDHD
(High
Dependency)
(Isolation)
ISO
ISO
(Isolation)
36
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
Average Bed in Service by Class of Bed
Total Bed Complement: 928
27
Figures & Statistics
u Patient Days by Class of Bed
Class
Class AA (1-bed)
(1-bed )
Class
B1 (4-bed)
Class B1
(4-bed )
15,051
23,096
Class
B2 (6-bed)
Class B4
(6-bed )
68,458
Class CC(8-bed)
(8-bed )
Class
90,568
ICU (Intensive
(Intensive Care
CareUnit)
Unit)
ICU
HD (High
(High Dependency)
Dependency)
HD
12,052
17,696
ISO (Isolation)
(Isolation)
ISO
Other s
Others
9,076
9,070
2,748
0
20000
40000
60000
80000
100000
Patient Days by Class of Bed
u Distribution of Staff (as at 31 March 2006)
479. 3
645
Clerica
l
Clerical
102. 5
Administrativ
Administrativee
148. 5
465
Ancillary
Ancillary
1660
Allied
AlliedHealth
Health
Nursin
g
Nursing
Medical
Dental
Medical& &
Dental
28
What Our Patients Say
In the financial year 2005, we received more than 8,000 compliments. Here are some that were
featured in the press ...
“I had a heart attack and was
admitted to NUH. During my four
days there, I found the doctors and
nurses to be excellent.
“...My mother-in-law was wheelchair-bound
& needed the use of a portable oxygen tank;
A/Prof Lim Seng Gee, Chief, Department of
Gastroenterology & Hepatology, always made
exceptions to allow her in for immediate
consultation at UDC, without having to wait…
Although she was in a C-class ward, the care
received was comparable to that of A-class…Given
her condition, she had to remove her bowels 3-5
times each day, but the Patient Care Assistants
who attended to her would do so each time without
complaints…I truly applaud their professionalism…
My heartfelt appreciation to all the doctors, nurses
and staff who had taken care of, and showed concern
to my mother-in-law in the past year.”
It was an eye opener. The care and
love they showed steeled my resolve
to face my sickness with fortitude. Day
and night the staff were there for me,
including the medical social workers.
They all deserved a pat on the back and a
bouquet each.”
R Prem Kumar
(This compliment was featured in
The New Paper on 29 April 2005)
Ms June Lim
(Translated from a compliment featured in
Lianhe Zaobao on 4 February 2006)
“…For over a decade I have been
a B2 subsidised in-patient as well as
out-patient of the hospital (NUH) and
have only praises for its staff. Every
morning at 8am, doctors, specialists
and trainees make their rounds and all
patients are equally attended to.
I know that at NUH, all staff are guided
by this mission: To hold the interest of the
patients paramount.”
“… I was in pain for a recurring problem and
needed good medical advice. Friends strongly
recommended a surgeon at the National
University Hospital (NUH). I was impressed.
I requested NUH to have my medical notes from
the previous hospital transferred. I have been
told that it usually takes a few months to get
this done...Imagine my surprise when my notes
were transferred to NUH the same day, with a
courier note from NUH to my residence. I would
like to thank Mr Chua Song Khim, CEO, NUH, Dr
Thambiah Joseph, Senior Consultant, Orthopaedic
Surgery and Ms Deborah Ee, Manager, Quality
Improvement Unit, for their efficient response.”
Ananda Perera
Gwendoline Cuthbert
(This compliment was featured in
The Straits Times, Forum, on 27 April 2005)
(This compliment was featured in
The New Paper on 29 April 2005)
“…At NUH, she (my mum) was quickly admitted
to the A&E department. She was attended to in
15 minutes. Later, Dr Teoh Hock Luen, Registrar,
Department of Medicine told us that my mum had
a bad stroke. He explained her condition and told
us, given her age and condition, what could be done.
Thank you very much, Dr Teoh and team for the
prompt attention given to my mum during her stay
in Ward 57. Even after my mum was discharged, Dr
Teoh has kept in touch with us. My family wishes to
thank all those who helped us that day.”
Ms Lilian Tan
(This compliment was
featured in TODAY on 17
June 2005)
29
About The National University Hospital
The National University Hospital (NUH) is a 928-bed specialist hospital that provides advanced, leading-edge
medical care. Its unique position as a University Hospital allows it to translate the latest clinical research into
safe, advanced treatment options for its patients. It was the first hospital in Singapore to be accredited by
the Joint Commission International, which is an international stamp for excellent clinical practices.
At NUH, patients take centrestage in everything that we do as we recognise that every patient is an
individual with unique needs.
Clinical Strengths
Our team of clinical, nursing and allied health professionals are qualified and experienced, with many who
are leaders in their field of expertise.
Amongst the comprehensive range of medical, dental and surgical services it provides, NUH’s clinical
strengths include:
•
•
•
•
Cardiology
Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Oncology
•
•
•
Ophthalmology
Spine Surgery
Paediatrics
Achievements (Clinical)
Achievements (Non-clinical)
NUH has been consistent in striving for clinical
advancements. Some of the breakthroughs its team of
professionals has achieved include:
NUH firmly believes it takes more than medical
excellence to give patients the best care. Therefore, it
has strived for excellence in every facet of its care and
service. Some of the recognitions it has received for its
efforts in non-clinical areas include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1st to successfully grow liver cells, 2006
Discovery of impact of genetic differences in
ethnicity on drug dosage, 2006
1st bone marrow and kidney transplant in Asia,
2005
1st ‘reversed shoulder replacement’ in Southeast
Asia, 2005
‘New’ knees for patients in breakthrough stem cell
research, 2005
1st micro-incision vitreoretinal surgery in Southeast
Asia, 2002
NUH & SGH jointly performed world’s 1st
successful cord blood transplant on Thalassaemia
major patient, 2001
Asia’s 1st open heart surgery on a ‘beating heart’,
1997
1st split liver transplant in Southeast Asia, 1997
Region’s 1st cross-hand transplantation, 1996
Region’s 1st birth of 2 sets of twins from frozen
embryo donations, 1996
1st minimally invasive coronary bypass surgery in
the region, 1995
World’s 1st successful birth of twins using coculture, 1991
Developed 1st known software programme for
colour vision testing in the world – fully automated
Farnsworth 100 hue test, 1990
World’s 1st baby conceived through microinsemination sperm transfer (MIST), 1989
1st Asian hospital to successfully use frozen
embryos, 1986
Quality Standards
• Joint Commission International (JCI), 2004
• ISO 9001:2000 (Quality Management Systems),
2002
• ISO 14001:1996 (Environmental Management
Systems), 2002
• OHSAS 18001:1999 (Occupational Health &
Safety Management Systems), 2002
• Singapore Quality Class (SQC) Business
Framework, 1997
Customer Service Standards
• Singapore Service Class (S-Class), 2004 (Only
hospital in Singapore to receive this award)
People Standards
• Singapore H.E.A.L.T.H. Award (Platinum), 2006
• People Excellence Award, 2004
• Singapore Family Friendly Employer Award, 2004
• People Developer Singapore (PDS), 2001
5 Lower Kent Ridge Road
Singapore 119074
Tel : (65) 6779 5555 Fax : (65) 6779 5678
Website : www.nuh.com.sg